Here’s what I think. I think if Christians loved the way we’re supposed to love that we’d have to beat people away with sticks.

Here I am, going through liver and transplant mumbo-jumbo and people are loving on me like crazy. It’s really overwhelming. What do people outside the faith community do?

I think they depend on family and some friends but I don’t think they have any idea what the “family of God” is like. How could they know? I’ve heard from people all over the globe, I’ve been blessed by people in the churches that I got the privilege of serving. (I use the word “church” reluctantly because I believe the church is people. It’s not a location or a building. It’s a movement. Still, because people call where they go their “church,” I’ve used the word.) I’ve heard from people I’ve never met who tell me they are praying for me. Some have even sent me some money to help with the medical expense madness.

Why would people do that? They are the church, the Jesus movement, the people who are believing that Christ is worth following and emulating. It’s what Jesus people do – they love.

I’ve heard from some people who tell me they aren’t into religion but they are intrigued by what they are witnessing here. Who doesn’t want that?

We’re told that early followers of Jesus were “of good reputation” in their communities. That means they were liked. Is that true of us today? Or, do our communities only see us leave our fortresses when we’re bugged by something?

Christians who love each other and love people beyond their circles are pretty attractive. I want to be that type of Christian.

I want to lead with love and grace rather than arguments and debates.

I have a feeling that if the church of America recommitted to going outside its meeting places to love, serve and heal its communities, attendance would not be a problem.

Whatever happens with this liver thing … I’m so glad I am part of this family. It really is the “family of God.” I was adopted into it. You can be too.

Acts 2:44-47 And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.  They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.  They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful,  as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. MSG

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Updates:

• Liver specialist appointment Wednesday
• Physical Thursday
• More than $1000 given so far on http://scottlinscott.chipin.com toward our expenses. In additional to other gifts we are only $5000 short of paying $10,000  to Florida Hospital June 27 and having $4250 forgiven.
• Blessed by all those who have ordered greeting cards. http://www.linscottphoto.com/cards.html
• NO CRAMPS for the first time in weeks on Monday! Felt wonderful.
• Weight is maintaining at 220. That is a good sign!
• My daughter’s wedding is less than two weeks away. Eeek!
• Blessing by so many visitors and cards of encouragement